Marc Miller (politician)

Marc Miller PC MP (born March 12, 1973) is a Canadian politician who was elected to represent the riding of Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs in the House of Commons in the 2015 election. A member of the Liberal Party of Canada, he currently serves as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship in the Federal Cabinet following the swearing in of a new cabinet on July 26, 2023. He previously served as the Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations, starting on October 26, 2021.

Marc Miller
Miller in 2023
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Assumed office
July 26, 2023
Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau
Preceded bySean Fraser
Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
In office
October 26, 2021 – July 26, 2023
Prime MinisterJustin Trudeau
Preceded byCarolyn Bennett
Succeeded byGary Anandasangaree
Minister of Indigenous Services
In office
November 20, 2019 – October 26, 2021
Preceded bySeamus O'Regan
Succeeded byPatty Hajdu
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations
In office
August 31, 2018 – November 20, 2019
MinisterCarolyn Bennett
Preceded byYvonne Jones
Succeeded byPosition abolished
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
In office
January 30, 2017 – August 30, 2018
MinisterAmarjeet Sohi
Preceded byPablo Rodriguez
Succeeded byMarco Mendicino
Member of Parliament
for Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs
Assumed office
October 19, 2015
Preceded byRiding established
Personal details
Born (1973-03-12) March 12, 1973 (age 51)[1]
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Political partyLiberal
SpouseElin Sandberg Miller
Parent(s)Carman Miller
Pamela Gales
ResidenceRockcliffe Park, Ontario[2][3]
Alma materUniversité de Montréal
McGill University
ProfessionAttorney
Soldier
Military service
Allegiance Canada
Branch/service Canadian Army

Early life and education

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An anglophone Montrealer,[4] Miller attended Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf in the 1980s at the same time as Justin Trudeau, and has been described variously as "a boyhood friend of Mr. Trudeau" and "one of Trudeau's oldest friends."[5][6][7] Miller earned bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from the Université de Montréal.[8]

Miller graduated from McGill University Faculty of Law in 2001 with common and civil law degrees.[9] Before his election, Miller practised law at Stikeman Elliott.[7] Miller also previously served in the Canadian Army Primary Reserve as an infantry officer.[10]

Federal politics

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Miller helped organize Trudeau's first run for office in Papineau in 2007.[11] He was an advisor and the fundraising director for Trudeau's successful run at the 2013 Liberal Party leadership election.[12]

42nd Canadian Parliament

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Miller was elected in the 2015 federal election to represent the riding of Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Sœurs in the 42nd Canadian Parliament.[13] After the election, he served as the chair of the Quebec Liberal Caucus of MPs.

On January 28, 2017, Miller was appointed as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.[10] On June 1, 2017, Miller delivered the first speech in the Mohawk language in the House of Commons. Miller said he had started taking language lessons from Zoe Hopkins in the spirit of reconciliation. He also wanted to demonstrate to the non-French speaking Liberal MPs whom he had urged to study French in his former role as the Quebec Liberal Caucus chair that it was possible to juggle learning a new language while performing their parliamentary duties.[14]

On August 31, 2018, he was moved to be the parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations.[10]

43rd Canadian Parliament

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On November 20, 2019, just after the 2019 Canadian federal election to the 43rd Canadian Parliament, he was sworn in as Minister of Indigenous Services.

44th Canadian Parliament

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On October 26, 2021, just after the 2021 Canadian federal election to the 44th Canadian Parliament, Miller was named the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations, replacing Carolyn Bennett.[15]

On July 26, 2023, Miller became the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. After Miller replaced Sean Fraser, he announced the 2024–2026 immigration levels plan for permanent residents, with 485,000 in 2024 and 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026.[16] Canada's population grew by over 2.3 million in two years (July 2022–July 2024), the highest growth seen since the 1950s.[17] With increasing unemployment and continued housing and affordability issues, Miller initially said reducing immigration targets was not feasible but he later signalled there could be an adjustment coming in November 2024.[18][19][20] Miller claims high population growth has prevented two recessions.[21] He also called the insinuation the Liberal government dramatically increased immigration targets to secure votes in future elections, "political hooey".[22] Polls show immigrants who have been in the country longer than six years do not plan to vote Liberal in the next federal election.[23][24][25][26]

There was a rise in international students requesting asylum in 2023.[27] In January 2024, Miller announced a two-year cap on international student permits. Miller also signalled the number of temporary foreign workers would be reconsidered.[28] On October 24, 2024, after increasing immigration targets each year since taking power in 2015 (excluding the COVID pandemic), the Liberal government announced they were reducing the number of permanent residents by 20%, commencing in 2025. By 2027, the number of permanent residents would be 365,000, down from the previously proposed target of 500,000.[29] The new target was in the middle of what economists recommended but higher than the 300,000 target the government followed before Justin Trudeau was elected.[30][31] During the press conference, Miller claimed rent in Vancouver and Toronto had decreased since the government reduced the number of study permits by 43% the previous year. With lower permanent resident targets Miller believes 670,000 fewer housing units will be needed by the end of 2027.[32] A report from the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer released on November 15 said the revised immigration targets will only reduce the housing gap by 534,000 units by 2030.[33] The government plans to continue reducing the temporary resident population from 7% to 5% in the coming years. Miller stated, "This shows that we are listening to Canadians. It shows that we have a controlled immigration plan that we can be proud of."[34][35]

Miller's plan to disperse asylum seekers across the country, in September 2024, was met with pushback from some premiers.[36]

On August 14, 2024, Miller said he was "disgusted" with the case of Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi, who was made a citizen of Canada after he had beheaded someone on film when he was part of the terrorist group ISIS in 2018.[37] Eldidi would have gone unnoticed until a tip from police in France notified the RCMP of a conspiracy to terrorize Canadians while the 2024 Paris Olympics were ongoing. Eldidi and his son were apprehended with bombs at a hotel in Toronto on July 28 and charged with terrorism, possession of weapons and conspiracy to commit murder for the Islamic State.[38]

Personal life

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Miller married Elin Sandberg, a former Swedish diplomat, whom he met at a party while both were studying at the Université de Montréal.[39] Together, they have three children, two boys named Marius and Lukas and a girl named Eva.[40]

Miller is fluent in both English and French, and also speaks Mohawk.[14]

Electoral record

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2021 Canadian federal election: Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Sœurs
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Marc Miller 24,978 50.5 -3.0 $105,431.45
New Democratic Sophie Thiébaut 9,241 18.7 +2.9 $12,104.90
Bloc Québécois Soledad Orihuela-Bouchard 6,176 12.5 -0.6 $2,242.01
Conservative Steve Shanahan 6,138 12.4 +3.6 $3,084.59
Green Cynthia Charbonneau-Lavictoire 1,343 2.7 -4.4 $0.00
People's Denise Dubé 1,291 2.6 +1.6 $552.90
Marijuana Hans Armando Vargas 134 0.3 N/A $0.00
Marxist–Leninist Linda Sullivan 122 0.2 +0.1 $0.00
Total valid votes/Expense limit 49,423 98.6 $116,716.76
Total rejected ballots 689 1.4
Turnout 50,112 57.0
Eligible voters 87,943
Liberal hold Swing -3.0
Source: Elections Canada[41]
2019 Canadian federal election: Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Sœurs
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Marc Miller 28,087 53.47 +2.65 $105,389.48
New Democratic Sophie Thiébaut 8,274 15.75 -7.69 $19,083.09
Bloc Québécois Nadia Bourque 6,899 13.13 +4.54 none listed
Conservative Michael Forian 4,609 8.78 -3.08 $24,699.31
Green Liana Canton Cusmano 3,718 7.08 +2.3 $1,593.95
People's Jean Langlais 520 0.99 none listed
Rhinoceros Tommy Gaudet 140 0.27 -0.05 none listed
Independent Louise O'Sullivan 117 0.22 none listed
No affiliation Marc Patenaude 113 0.22 none listed
Marxist–Leninist Linda Sullivan 45 0.09 $0.00
Total valid votes/expense limit 52,522 100.0  
Total rejected ballots 601
Turnout 53,123
Eligible voters 88,117
Liberal hold Swing +5.17
Source: Elections Canada[42][43]
2015 Canadian federal election: Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Sœurs
Party Candidate Votes % ±% Expenditures
Liberal Marc Miller 25,491 50.82 +23.34 $104,027.97
New Democratic Allison Turner 11,757 23.44 -18.05 $76,667.01
Conservative Steve Shanahan 5,948 11.86 -0.05 $10,419.44
Bloc Québécois Chantal St-Onge 4,307 8.59 -7.44 $2,334.04
Green Daniel Green 2,398 4.78 +1.99 $84,091.06
Rhinoceros Daniel Wolfe 161 0.32
Communist Bill Sloan 102 0.20
Total valid votes/expense limit 50,164 100.00 $221,982.87
Total rejected ballots 435 0.86
Turnout 50,599 59.96
Eligible voters 84,387
Source: Elections Canada[44][45]


References

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  1. ^ Miller, Marc [@MarcMillerVM] (March 12, 2016). "Une sélection de bières du Comté pour ma fête! @joebeef @AdamScotti #BrasseurdeMontréal #Bierbrier" (Tweet). Archived from the original on June 9, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2023 – via Twitter.
  2. ^ "Search for Contributions".
  3. ^ "Official Voting Results".
  4. ^ Kovacevic, Milos (February 25, 2014). "Liberal candidate for newly-formed Ville-Marie riding shares his views". The Concordian. Archived from the original on February 8, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  5. ^ Leblanc, Daniel (January 24, 2014). "Liberals rally team aiming to win back party strongholds in Montreal". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  6. ^ Sevigny, P.A. (October 21, 2015). "Liberals' Marc Miller handily takes new riding of Ville-Marie". The Suburban. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Leblanc, Daniel (April 5, 2014). "How Trudeau's high-school friend plans to win back a Liberal stronghold". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on May 26, 2014. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  8. ^ "McGill Law faces of Election 2015". McGill University. September 2015. Archived from the original on August 6, 2021. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  9. ^ "Eight Faculty of Law alumni win in their ridings". McGill University Faculty of Law. October 20, 2015. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c "Marc Miller". Library of Parliament. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  11. ^ Block, Irwin (September 16, 2015). "Justin Trudeau's got what it takes, says Liberal hopeful Miller". The Senior Times. Archived from the original on May 16, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  12. ^ Patriquin, Martin (May 7, 2014). "Questions raised about votes in Marc Miller's Liberal nomination". Maclean's. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  13. ^ Lau, Rachel (October 19, 2015). "Liberal candidate Marc Miller elected in Ville-Marie—Le Sud-Ouest—Île-des-Soeurs". Global News. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  14. ^ a b Tasker, John Paul (June 2, 2018) [June 1, 2018]. "Quebec Liberal MP Marc Miller employs Mohawk language lessons in the House". CBC News. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  15. ^ Forester, Brett (October 26, 2021). "Trudeau cabinet: Bennett shuffled out, Miller moved over, Hajdu new boss at ISC". APTN News. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  16. ^ "Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's 2024–25 Departmental Plan". Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. February 29, 2024. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  17. ^ "Information archivée dans le Web" (PDF).
  18. ^ "Will Canada reduce its new immigration targets? Some analysts seem to think so". Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  19. ^ "Opinion: The folly of Liberal immigration policy is now showing up in the job market". The Globe and Mail. August 14, 2024.
  20. ^ "Information archivée dans le Web" (PDF).
  21. ^ "The economy's fine, but you're not getting ahead: Welcome to the 'me-cession' | Globalnews.ca".
  22. ^ ""Alarming trending" of more international students claiming asylum in Canada: Minister". YouTube. September 22, 2024.
  23. ^ "The economy's fine, but you're not getting ahead: Welcome to the 'me-cession'". Global News. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  24. ^ Bond, Meredith (October 1, 2024). "OMNI poll shows Canadian immigrants supporting Pierre Poilievre". CityNews Toronto. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  25. ^ Tumilty, Ryan (August 30, 2024). "Majority of Canadians believe Liberals' immigration targets are set too high: poll". National Post.
  26. ^ Amato, Sean (September 30, 2024). "Calgary, Edmonton agree with Premier Smith on immigration: poll". CityNews Edmonton. Retrieved October 26, 2024.
  27. ^ "International student asylum claims surged in 2023, data shows - National | Globalnews.ca".
  28. ^ "Federal government aiming to shrink temporary residents' share of population by 2027". Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  29. ^ "SCOOP: Trudeau government to slash immigration levels". Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  30. ^ "Canadian consensus on immigration under threat, but not gone: Immigration minister".
  31. ^ "Ottawa's pledge to reduce immigration is not enough, PQ says". Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  32. ^ "Canada will reduce immigration targets as Trudeau acknowledges his policy failed". Associated Press News.
  33. ^ "Impact of the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan on Canada's Housing Gap". www.pbo-dpb.ca. Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  34. ^ "PM Justin Trudeau on cuts to immigration targets, discord in Liberal caucus – October 24, 2024". YouTube.
  35. ^ "Cp24 Live". September 19, 2022.
  36. ^ "Miller says premiers 'weaponized' asylum seekers debate, disputes plan to relocate claimants". Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  37. ^ "'Disgusted' immigration minister looking into revoking citizenship of Toronto terror suspect". Retrieved November 22, 2024.
  38. ^ "Tip about Toronto ISIS suspect came from France | Globalnews.ca".
  39. ^ Murat, Philippe. "Vote 2015 – Ville-Marie–Le Sud-Ouest–Île-des-Soeurs". CPAC. 8:06 and 26:24. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  40. ^ Miller, Marc (October 20, 2016). "Debates of Oct. 20th, 2016". openparliament.ca. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  41. ^ "List of confirmed candidates – September 20, 2021 Federal Election". Elections Canada. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  42. ^ "List of confirmed candidates". Elections Canada. Retrieved October 3, 2019.
  43. ^ "Election Night Results". Elections Canada. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  44. ^ Elections Canada – Forty-Second General Election 2015 - Poll-by-poll results
  45. ^ Elections Canada – Final Candidates Election Expenses Limits
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